On the outskirts of the city stood an abandoned factory, surrounded by overgrown weeds and silence.
No streetlights illuminated the area. No one lived nearby.
But inside the factory, it was bright as day.
Rows of researchers in white coats moved with precision, quietly tinkering with test tubes and instruments. Every one of them bore strange, animal-like mutations on their bodies—features warped by their own Quirks.
A man with the head of a gorilla was scribbling notes on a clipboard. Without looking up, he asked the winged man beside him,
"How's the effectiveness of the Quirk enhancement serum from the first batch?"
"We've distributed several hundred doses nationwide," the winged man replied, handing over a report. "Most were released in unregulated gray zones. What's noteworthy is the batch used by the subject codenamed Flamingo."
He paused briefly before continuing. "According to the data, his overall Quirk amplification met our expectations."
The gorilla-headed man frowned. "Meeting expectations isn't enough. We need results that surpass expectations. Increase the potency—and the volume—of the next distribution."
"But doing that might draw police attention."
"Hmph. Then let's use the chaos to our advantage." The gorilla-headed man sneered. "It's not so easy for the authorities to locate our hidden facility. And the best part? Every one of those serums has fatal side effects. By the time the police realize what's happening, it'll already be too late."
He flipped through the report, then stopped at a particular page. Two photos stared back at him.
"Contact these two—'Invisible Raincoat' and 'Iron Shark.' They'll make good test subjects."
"Yes, sir."
Meanwhile, at a city police station, chaos erupted.
The Flamingo—who had been unconscious after his battle—had just awakened. He was in the middle of interrogation when, without warning, he convulsed violently, foamed at the mouth, and began bleeding from his eyes, ears, and nose.
He collapsed on the spot. Dead.
Forensics confirmed it soon after: a lethal toxin was found in his system, most likely a byproduct of the so-called Quirk enhancement serum he'd taken.
But the timing of his death only deepened the controversy.
Was it suicide? A delayed reaction? Or… something the police caused during questioning?
Just weeks ago, Flamingo had been a professional Hero. His brutal crimes after taking the serum had already made him a public pariah. Yet now that he was dead, sympathy for him began to swell.
The same citizens who once cursed his name now muttered about how the system had failed him.
And amid this storm of moral outrage, the police found themselves under enormous pressure.
At that same moment, Lock—completely unaware of the uproar—was sound asleep in his apartment.
It was Friday night, and the weekend meant no early classes. After a hot shower, he had fallen into bed and drifted off almost instantly.
Using magic for the first time had drained him mentally, and exhaustion claimed him the moment his head hit the pillow.
When the morning sun streamed through the window, Lock stretched, wide awake and refreshed.
"Alright, system—time for the A-Rank lottery. Let's see if I can pull something strong today."
This reward came from defeating the Flamingo, and it would be crucial for his next goal: passing the Pro Hero license exam.
"Entering system space…"
Currently, Lock's known spells were Swift Step—a speed-type movement magic—and Water Lock—a control-type spell for restraint. What he lacked was a true offensive spell.
The A-Rank draw promised three powerful magics.
"Come on… give me something strong. Something that hits hard!" Lock whispered, eyes fixed on the translucent display hovering before him.
"Activate A-Rank Lottery!"
[Starting A-Rank Lottery…]
[Congratulations! You've obtained the magic 'Flame Emperor Armor' from Erza Scarlet.]
[Congratulations! You've obtained the magic 'Wings' from Freed Justine.]
[Congratulations! You've obtained the magic 'Thunder's Wrath' from Laxus Dreyar.]
A surge of memories and combat experience flooded his mind—Erza's battles, Freed's flight techniques, Laxus's lightning-charged fury—all pouring in at once.
It was overwhelming, but exhilarating.
When the rush finally subsided, Lock opened his system panel to review his new abilities.
[Flame Emperor Armor] – A Requip armor forged in fire. Grants fire resistance and the ability to wield a blazing greatsword.
He nodded in satisfaction. Erza Scarlet—the Titania, queen of the battlefield, and one of Fairy Tail's strongest mages. Her Requip Magic, The Knight, allowed her to instantly change armor and weapons to suit any fight.
Each armor granted unique abilities, and this one—the Flame Emperor Armor—nullified most fire-based attacks while empowering his own flames.
"It even lets me use fire magic now," Lock muttered with a grin. Then he paused. "…Wait. Does this mean I'll get the pigtails too?"
He imagined himself wearing the armor, his short hair magically tied into Erza's twin braids.
"…Yeah, no. Hard pass."
Shaking his head, he moved on.
[Wings] – Word Magic that grants the user a pair of magical wings, allowing free flight.
That was from Freed Justine, the leader of the Thunder God Tribe and Laxus's loyal right-hand man. His magic inscribed words that became reality, though Lock's version seemed to be a simplified, supportive spell.
"Flight, huh? Not bad. The Flame Emperor Armor doesn't come with that feature anyway."
Finally, he checked the last reward.
[Thunder's Wrath] – Lightning Magic that summons a massive storm cloud above the enemy, then strikes down with crushing bolts of thunder.
Lock's eyes gleamed.
"Now that's power."
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